Just when people thought Jose Aguiniga's career had ended in a disappointing manner, his career has risen up from the ashes like a phoenix.

Despite the five-year layoff, his dream of still becoming a world champion are just as strong since he last left the ring as a professional prizefighter five years ago.

He returns to the ring tonight when he takes on Juan Ruiz at the Oceanview Pavilion in Port Hueneme. The scheduled eight-round featherweight bout headlines a seven-bout "Comeback" card, promoted by El Dorado Entertainment.

As Aguiniga (31-0, 14 KOs) of Oxnard was poised to make a run at a world title belt, he had to battle issues outside the ring rather than contenders inside of it. Weight issues, marital troubles, and supporting a growing family forced him to step away from the sport. After returning to the ring last year, he is a much more focused fighter.

"In a way, I'm starting over and it is a new beginning for me," said Aguiniga, who is co-trained by his older brother Mario and Joseph Janik. "The time off allowed me to refocus. I'm 30 years old and a lot more mature than when I fought. I know what I want now."

Aguiniga hopes to get down and campaign at 122 pounds. He is eyeing possible fights against notable champions and contenders such as Nonito Doniare, Abner Mares, and Wilfredo Vazquez Jr.

Tonight, he will face Ruiz (23-8, 7 KOs) of Santa Clarita, who has fought stellar opposition throughout his career. Although he has lost his last three bouts, Ruiz does hold victories over former world champions Wayne McCullough and Cristobal Cruz.

"I respect him for taking this fight," said Ruiz, who was the former NABO super bantamweight and NABF featherweight champion. "He didn't have to take the fight. Throughout my career, people have avoided fighting me. He (Aguiniga) had no problems facing me."

Also fighting on tonight's card will be lightweight David Rodela (15-5-3, 6 KO's) of Oxnard. Rodela, who is one of Manny Pacquiao's chief sparring partners, will take on Baudel Cardenas (18-23-4, 7 KOs) in a scheduled six-round bout.

In another six-round bout, unbeaten junior middleweight Hugo Centeno (11-0, 6 KOs) of Oxnard will take on Octavio Narvaez (7-10-1, 4 KOs) in a scheduled six-round bout. The 2009 Oxnard High graduate has won his last five bouts by decision.

Rounding out the card will be a four-round battle between unbeaten super middleweights Rogelio Romo (4-0-2, KO) of Oxnard and Thomas Turner (1-0). Super featherweight Robert Ortiz (7-4-1, 3 KOs) will face Manuel Del Cid (4-8, KO) in a scheduled four-round bout. Indian Banuelos of Santa Paula will make his professional debut against Jose Garcia (0-5) in a scheduled four-round bout.

Tickets to the card are still on sale at the Oceanview Pavilion box office, starting at $50. Doors to the venue will open at 5:30 p.m., with first bell scheduled for 6.

Both fighters will be battling for the vacant WBA lightweight championship. The bout will be televised on HBO's "World Championship Boxing."

Rios (29-0-1, 22 KOs) is coming off a 11th-round stoppage victory over John Murray on Dec. 3 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Ironically, Rios was stripped of the title the day before at the weigh-in when he weighed in above the 135-pound limit.

A 2004 Olympic gold medalist for Cuba, Gamboa (21-0, 16 KOs) will jump up two weight classes to face Rios. Gamboa was a WBA and IBF featherweight champion over the last year and a half.

In his last bout in September, Gamboa won an eight-round technical unanimous decision over former world champion Daniel Ponce De Leon.

TOUGH DECISION

Light heavyweight Gabriel Campillo is still disappointed from the decision that was rendered against him last Saturday night. Campillo lost a controversial 12-round split decision to IBF light heavyweight champion Tavoris Cloud.

The Spaniard, who trained for the bout against Cloud in Oxnard, was knocked down twice in the first round, but seemed to be the more-effective boxer during most of the rounds, even hurting Cloud during some exchanges.

Campillo (21-4-1, 8 KOs) was in disbelief as the scores were announced. Campillo won on one judge's scorecard (115-111), but lost it on two judges' scorecards (116-110, 114-112).

The Showtime channel broadcast team had the fight scored in favor of Campillo, while famed ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. tweeted that "it was one of the toughest announcements he had to make."

Campillo's team is considering filing a protest to the IBF to have the decision overturned or to order a rematch.